Laura Sharman 21 August 2017

Analysis shows 22 million votes were 'wasted' in General Election

More than 20 million votes had no impact on the result of the 2017 General Election, according to new analysis by the Electoral Reform Society.

The report into the ‘first past the post’ voting system found 68% of votes were ‘wasted’ in this election, with 6.5 million people voting tactically.

It revealed that the Conservatives would have secured a majority government if just 0.0016% of voters had voted differently.

The ERS argues that the system is ‘exaggerating divisions’ in the UK pointing to the fact Labour secured 29% of South East vote but got just 10% of seats, while the Tories won 34% of the North East vote but got just 9% of seats.

‘For the third time in a row, Westminster’s voting system has failed to do what it says on the tin – produce a “strong and stable” government,’ said chief executive of the ERS, Darren Hughes.

He added: ‘This surge in tactical voting – double the rate of 2015 – meant voters shifted their party allegiances at unprecedented rates, with the second highest level of voter volatility since the inter-war years. A system designed for two parties cannot accommodate these complex electoral swings.’

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Transport Planner (Strategy)

North Northamptonshire Council
£46,731-£49,764
We are looking for an experienced professional to join North Northamptonshire Council as a Principal Transport Planner (Strategy). Sheerness House, 41 Meadow Road, Kettering moving to Haylock House, Kettering Parkway, Kettering NN15 6EY, United Kingdom
Recuriter: North Northamptonshire Council

Highways Capital Delivery Manager

South Wales Trunk Road Agent
£50,788 - £52,805
To be responsible for the implementation of Welsh Government’s Renewal and Upgrade programme. Baglan, Port Talbot
Recuriter: South Wales Trunk Road Agent

Senior Engineer x 2

Hounslow London Borough Council
£47,532 –£55,620 per annum
Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be. Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council

Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI Chelmsford

Essex County Council
£25081.00 - £27653.00 per annum + Pro Rata
Part Time Prison Library Assistant - HMP/YOI ChelmsfordFixed Term, Part Time£25,081 to £27,653 Per Annum, Full Time EquivalentLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Head of SEN Assessment & Resolution

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
£77136 - £88230 per annum
Shape a fairer future for children with special educational needs.As Head of SEN Assessment and Resolution at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chel England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Linkedin Banner